SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS - JUST IGNORE THEM

Over the past two years, a very large and representative BAYSHORE TASK FORCE studied virtually every option for making this scenic drive and recreation area safer for all.

I attended a couple of meetings and was impressed with the size and dedication involved. Citizens from recreation, business, neighborhood, safety, and law enforcement groups were attending frequent meetings to address the concerns about Bayshore Boulevard.

When I interviewed the Mayor, prior to the Task Force's report, asking for her suggestions on Bayshore, she deferred to the Task Force and was proud of their work and efforts. "Why appoint a hard working committee and then make suggestions prior to their report ?" was her answer. Mayor Iorio has supported the construction of the sidewalk since the Task Force's recommendations.

The report was issued with many suggestions to improve safety. (KEY WORD HERE IS: SAFETY) With money and budget restraints; implementing the suggestions have gradually been planned and many suggestions implemented.

If you use Bayshore, you know the lack of a complete southbound sidewalk between Howard Avenue and Bay to Bay creates a safety hazard. That is why the Task Force made the suggestion to install that section of sidewalk.

BUT now, the Bayshore Diplomat condo association and a couple of Bayshore property owners don't want the sidewalk to be constructed in front of their property and have been successful in getting the city to rethink this plan.

This is very simple, if you want to walk on the south bound side of Bayshore, you will have to walk on uneven grass or you will have to cross the street. Still resulting in the safety issue that the Task Force addressed.

Take the Task Force's recommendations: construct the southbound sidewalk - ALL OF IT !

Call the City Council 274-8131.